Combining Schubert, Vaughan Williams and Blake in Oxford was intriguing rather than enriching

United KingdomUnited Kingdom Oxford International Song Festival 2023 [3] – Schubert, Vaughan Williams: Anna Cavaliero (soprano), Robin Tritschler (tenor), James Turnbull (oboe), Dame Janet Suzman (reader), Graham Johnson (piano). Holywell Music Room, Oxford, 22.10.2023. (CR)

Anna Cavaliero (soprano) 

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Bathed in Golden Light at the Oxford International Song Festival

United KingdomUnited Kingdom Oxford International Song Festival 2023 [1] – Loewe, Vaughan Williams, Williams, Haydn, Clarke, Bathed in Golden Light: Christine Rice (alto), Edward Kim (baritone), Timothy Ridout (viola), Julius Drake and Emily Hoh (pianists). Holywell Music Room, Oxford, 17.10.2023. (CR)

Christine Rice (alto) and Julius Drake (piano) at a Wigmore Hall concert

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Garsington Opera’s The Bartered Bride gets a rather more muted revival

United KingdomUnited Kingdom Garsington Opera 2023 [3] – Bedřich Smetana, The Bartered Bride: Soloists, Garsington Opera Chorus & Philharmonia Orchestra / Jac van Steen (conductor). Garsington Opera at Wormsley, 30.6.2023. (CR)

Garsington Opera’s The Bartered Bride © Alice Pennefather

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The strong cast brings the more consistent personality and character to Garsington’s pared down Mitridate

United KingdomUnited Kingdom Garsington Opera 2023 [2] – Mozart, Mitridate, re di Ponto: Soloists, The English Concert / Clemens Schuldt (conductor). Garsington Opera at Wormsley, 3.6.2023. (CR)

Iestyn Davies (Farnace) and Soraya Mafi (Ismene) © Julian Guidera

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Garsington’s charming and fresh interpretation of Rossini’s well-loved Il barbiere di Siviglia

United KingdomUnited Kingdom Garsington Opera 2023 [1] – Rossini, Il barbiere di Siviglia: Soloists, Garsington Opera Chorus, The English Concert / Douglas Boyd (conductor). Garsington Opera at Wormsley, 31.5.2023. (CR)

Johannes Kammler (Figaro), Katie Bray (Rosina) and Andrew Stenson (Count Almaviva) © Clive Barda

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